Job Title: Graduate (MS/PhD) Summer 2025 Intern - Hardcoat Research & DevelopmentSummary:In this role, you will contribute to the growth of Hardcoat Technology through support of NPI programs and platforms. You will develop critical structure-property knowledge that can be applied to multiple programs/customers.Responsibilities Include:Investigate the effect of formulation and processing changes on hardcoat performance, particularly with respect to coating cracking failures for thermal cure hardcoat systems on polycarbonate or metal substrates. Document and standardize Hardcoat developmental data.
Hardcoat Thermal Cure Next Generation Platform
Study how the interfacial layer impacts performance.
Investigate post-processing treatments.
Evaluate how cure time/temperature impact stress development in coatings and ultimate cracking behavior.
Analyze the effect of solvent and process parameters on adhesion and cracking.
Investigate effects of additives to improve adhesion to wider range of substrate types.
Explore options for VOC reductions.
Investigate effects of pigment on performance.
Investigate properties of importance for product development of hardcoats in Consumer/Industrial space.
Improve performance of metal protection hardcoats
Improve anti-fingerprint performance of hardcoats.
Digitization/Standardization of Hardcoat Historical Database
Review, identify and archive critical documents from historical paper files.
Develop organized storage protocol for managing existing historical electronic data to improve usage and retrieval.
Develop and document a standardized long term weathering data recording and analysis format/protocol for new experiments and train team.
Qualifications:The following are required for the role
Pursuing a Masters or PhD in Polymers or Materials Science.
Applicant must be comfortable working in a wet chemistry lab and also with performing physical property testing and characterization.
Experience with coating processes and test methods.
Experience with polymer chemistry and mechanical property testing on polymeric systems.
Experience with statistical data analysis.
Experience with data storage platforms (SharePoint) is a plus.
Program Requirement
The candidate must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at the time of application and for at least one semester following the conclusion of the internship.
The candidate is expected to be available to work in person 40 hours a week for 10-12 weeks between May and August.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENTThe physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, bend, stoop, crouch, twist, turn, lift, and move about the facility. Walking, walking on irregular surfaces, and balancing will be required. Reaching, feeling, finger movement, grasping, hearing, sight, and the ability to speak clearly will be required. Regularly lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs. The ability to wear personal protective equipment, and the ability to pass a fit test and wear a respirator is required for most positions.The environment for this position is a laboratory setting. Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.Students enrolled in a Graduate degree level program are eligible to receive a higher rate than the range listed below. Master's rate: $32/hr; PhD rate: $37/hr What We Offer:Base Pay Range: $22.00 - $26.00The base salary offered is determined by factors including but not limited to education, experience, skill sets, and geography. If you are interested in this position, we’d ask that you apply! #BePartoftheSolution A t Momentive, we value your well-being and offer competitive total rewards and development programs. Our inclusive culture fosters a strong sense of belonging and provides diverse career opportunities to help you unleash your full potential. Together, through innovative problem-solving and collaboration, we strive to create sustainable solutions that make a meaningful impact. Join our Momentive team to open a bright future. About Us:Momentive is a premier global advanced materials company with a cutting-edge focus on silicones and specialty products. We deliver solutions designed to help propel our customer’s products forward—products that have a profound impact on all aspects of life, around the clock and from living rooms to outer space. With every innovation, Momentive creates a more sustainable future. Our vast product portfolio is made up of advanced silicones and specialty solutions that play an essential role in driving performance across a multitude of industries, including agriculture, automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, healthcare, personal care, consumer products, building and construction, and more. Momentive believes a diverse workforce empowers our people, strengthens our business, and contributes to a sustainable world. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer . Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by law. To be considered for this position candidates are required to submit an application for employment and be of legal working age as defined by local law . An offer may be conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations . Note to third parties: Momentive is not seeking or accepting any unsolicited assistance from search and selection firms or employment agencies at this time.